Review of Persona (2000) by Jens T — 25 Jul 2010

Persona is the Swedish masterpiece by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows two women, a nurse and patient, their relationship and interactions outside of the hospital. The nurse's name is Alma (Bibi Andersson), a young and naive girl with a troubled background. The patient is Elisabet (Liv Ullmann), an actress who has lost her will to live and refuses to speak to anyone. Alma takes Elisabet to a beach house because she believes it will be good for her. Since Elisabet refuses to speak the days go on with Alma talking endlessly and eventually delving into the deepest and darkest aspects of her personal life. There seems to be a role reversal as Alma begins to break down and it is revealed her life may be the more unstable of the two women. Alma's outbursts alienate herself, but a visit from Elisabet's husband reveals her own personal problems leading to a climatic and mind-bending psychological standoff between the two women.

Persona is a horrifying and shocking film because of the strength of its two leads. They dominate the screen and command attention despite the minimalist dialogue. Elisabet's lack of speech actually enlarges her presence and reinforces the dark and ominous mood that keeps the film so engaging. Persona becomes a psychological analysis for not only the viewer, but for the two characters in the film. Their judgments of each other become our judgments and forward the plot of the film as we observe their behavior in response to judgment. It proves to be emotionally grueling and scary because Alma and Elisbet's proceeding actions are unknown and unpredictable. But that is realistic, it is true human nature and the urge to know what is to come keeps us from looking away from Persona.

Presented in stark and raw black and white imagery enhances the horror of Persona. It's simplistic yet complicated. Nothing is hidden from the viewer purposefully; it's all knowledge that has to be acquiring with viewing the film. Bergman entices us with lack knowledge to keep us going and watching. The imagery and cinematography keeps everything in perspective. Intense focus is made on particular characters even if they are not speaking. In other scenes Alma and Elisabet are shown squeezed together in one shot. Bergman clearly wants us to focus on facial reactions and expressions between each character. We need to get to know these characters before we are able to understand and judge them the way they do to each other.

In my mind Persona is a testament to how psychoanalysis is binal. The nurse quickly falls victim to the judgments of the patient, instead of the other way around. In all elements and situations of life we analyze one another. We look at flaws of our fellow beings and cast judgment upon them. Maybe Persona is a commentary to this negative aspect in the practice of psychology - that our judgments are subjective and we cannot condemn behavior or declare abnormality until we look upon or own flaws.

Or maybe Persona is a look into a single person subconscious mind and behavior. Possibly Alma and Elisabet are the same person, in denial of past sins and now looking at herself from another point of view. Curious as to how she could be and pondering what her life would be like if it were the opposite; would she still have problems or would life be easier? Alma and Elisabet are literally opposites; one famous the other not, one wanting a child the other repulsed by her child, one the victim of an oppressive husband the other worshipped by her spouse. Bergman implies their similarities in an interesting technique of fusing photographs of their faces. If Alma and Elisabeth are the same person, and two different personas, the question is which of the two is real?

Verdict: Persona is a creepy and unpredictable thriller fueled by the tour-de-force performances of Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann. Bergman's direction creates an astonishing atmosphere with innovative and creative techniques. He presents us with focus on unrestrained images and events and asks us to pay close attention for our own benefit of understanding. Bergman's orchestrated air of mystery makes Persona engaging and refuses to let up on the tension. Persona is undoubtedly a true work of modernist art whether you fully understand it or not.